Tuna Pesto Pasta is a quick and easy dish that combines the convenience of canned tuna with the vibrant flavor of pesto.
Save This Recipe 💌
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Tuna pesto pasta is a delightful dish that bridges the gap between quick and easy weeknight meals and flavorful, satisfying dinners. It's a perfect example of how pantry staples like canned tuna can be transformed into a restaurant-worthy dish in no time. This versatile recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a true weeknight win.
Craving something different? Explore my other pantry staple recipes like shrimp and anchovy pasta for a taste of the Mediterranean or truffle pasta for a touch of luxury – all built around those essential ingredients you already have on hand!
Jump to:
Ingredients
This recipe takes your favorite green sauce and pairs it with protein-packed tuna for a satisfying and flavorful pasta dish.
- Pasta: This recipe is all about versatility, so choose your favorite pasta shape! Penne, rotini, fusilli, or linguine all work beautifully, capturing the delicious pesto and tuna mixture with their nooks and crannies.
- Canned Tuna: Canned tuna is a pantry staple prized for its convenience and affordability. Packed with protein and healthy fats, it adds a satisfying element to the dish without requiring any prep work.
- Pesto: A Burst of Flavor - Vibrant and flavorful pesto brings the magic to this recipe. Traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and cheese, pesto injects a symphony of herbaceous and nutty flavors into the pasta. You can use store-bought pesto for added convenience, or prepare your own for a more customized touch.
- Aromatics: Sauteing garlic and onion in olive oil before adding the pesto creates a deeper, more complex flavor base for your sauce.
- Creamy Dreaminess: For an extra decadent twist, stir in someBoursin cheese and a touch of heavy whipping cream after incorporating the pesto. Yes! I'm a Boursin fan! Have you tried the boursin version of Tiktok viral recipe?
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Flake and heat the tuna: Add the drained tuna to the pan and break it up with a fork. Cook for an additional minute to warm through.
- Create the creamy sauce: Add a dollop of Boursin cheese and a splash of heavy whipping cream to the pan. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and creamy sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving a little bit of the starchy pasta water (about ¼ cup). Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce in the pan. Add a splash or two of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Incorporate the pesto (last minute!): Once the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce, immediately turn off the heat. Stir in your favorite pesto, ensuring it coats everything evenly. Don't cook the pesto here to preserve its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Serve and enjoy!: Plate the pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired. Dive in and enjoy this delicious and flavorful dish!
Substitutions
Here are some substitutions you can make for this tuna pesto pasta recipe:
- Pasta: While penne, rotini, fusilli, and linguine work well due to their shapes capturing the sauce, feel free to experiment with other short pastas like farfalle (bowtie), elbows, or campanelle.
- Tuna: If you're not a fan of tuna, cooked and flaked salmon, chicken, chickpeas, or lentils can be used as a protein substitute.
- Boursin Cheese: Cream cheese with fresh herbs or crumbled feta can be used in place of Boursin for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For a lighter version, you can use milk or low-fat cream instead of heavy whipping cream. Just be aware that the sauce will be thinner. You may need to add a bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it if desired.
- Pesto: Don't have pesto on hand? You can easily whip up a simple version with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts/almonds), olive oil, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor.
Variations
Here are some variations you can try to customize your tuna pesto pasta recipe:
- Veggie Fun: Toss in roasted veggies (broccoli, tomatoes, zucchini) for extra color and nutrients. Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula for a quick green boost.
- Protein Power-Up: Swap tuna for cooked shrimp or shredded chicken for a protein twist.
- Flavor Variations: Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer flavor. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Topping Touches: Sprinkle on toasted panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.
What to Serve With This
- Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover pesto sauce, adding a crunchy contrast to the pasta.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offers a light and refreshing side that complements the rich, savory flavors of tuna pesto pasta.
- Grilled Asparagus: The smoky, slightly charred flavor of grilled asparagus pairs well with the earthy pesto and tender tuna in the pasta dish.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and crunchy croutons in Caesar salad balance the richness of the tuna pesto pasta, making it a classic combo.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a zesty and refreshing bite alongside the flavorful pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots adds vibrant color and texture to the meal, enhancing the overall experience.
- Antipasto Platter: Featuring cured meats, olives, cheese, and marinated vegetables, an antipasto platter brings savory, tangy flavors that complement the tuna pesto pasta beautifully.
- Lemon Arugula Salad: The peppery arugula paired with a light lemon vinaigrette adds a citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness of the pesto.
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: These crispy, seasoned potatoes make a hearty, flavorful side, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the soft texture of the pasta.
- Grilled Shrimp: Tender, smoky grilled shrimp enhances the seafood flavor of the tuna, while the pesto adds an extra layer of richness.
Storage
Store leftover tuna pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent drying and absorbing odors. It will stay safe for 3-4 days. While freezing is not recommended due to texture changes, reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk will revive leftovers.
Recipe FAQs
No problem! This recipe is easily adaptable. You can substitute cooked and flaked salmon, chicken, chickpeas, or lentils for a protein twist.
Cream cheese with fresh herbs or crumbled feta can be used in place of Boursin for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Sure! Substitute milk or low-fat cream for the heavy whipping cream. The sauce will be thinner, so you may want to add a bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it if desired.
Absolutely! It's a great way to customize the flavors. Simply combine fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts/almonds), olive oil, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor.
This pesto pasta recipe welcomes various protein options! Think cooked chicken, shrimp, or even shredded leftover rotisserie chicken for a heartier and flavorful meal.
Pesto pasta is a versatile dish! Enjoy it warm for a comforting meal with the pesto's full flavor released. If you prefer a refreshing option, it's delicious cold too, though the sauce may thicken slightly. Just add a touch of olive oil or pasta water to thin it out if needed.
Other Easy Pasta Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Did you try this recipe?
Share how it turned out in the comment box below, and if you loved it, share it on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram.
Thank you!
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Equipment
- 1 pot
- 1 skillet pan
Ingredients
- 8 ounce pasta rigatoni or pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, fusilli, or linguine work well)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot or onion, minced
- 7 ounce canned tuna
- 5.2 ounce Boursin Garlic and Herb Cheese
- ½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- ¼ cup pesto sauce
- parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
- basil leaves (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Flake and heat the tuna: Add the drained tuna to the pan and break it up with a fork. Cook for an additional minute to warm through.
- Create the creamy sauce: Add a dollop of Boursin cheese and a splash of heavy whipping cream to the pan. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and creamy sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving a little bit of the starchy pasta water (about ¼ cup). Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce in the pan. Add a splash or two of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Incorporate the pesto (last minute!): Once the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce, immediately turn off the heat. Stir in your favorite pesto, ensuring it coats everything evenly. Don't cook the pesto here to preserve its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Serve and enjoy!: Plate the pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired. Dive in and enjoy this delicious and flavorful dish!
Save This Recipe 💌
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Notes
- For maximum flavor and color, fold in the pesto after turning off the heat. The residual warmth will be enough to incorporate the pesto without compromising its freshness.
